MY PHOTO SCHOOL ONLINE BLOG
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Macro photography and close-up photography both involve capturing subjects at a close range, but they differ primarily in their scale and technical specifications.
Macro Photography: This type of photography specifically refers to capturing images of small subjects at a 1:1 ratio or greater. This means that the subject is reproduced on the camera's sensor at life size or larger.There are some groups and people who refer to a 1:4 or more, then you are in the macro zone.
Macro photography often requires specialized equipment, such as macro lenses, to achieve the necessary magnification and detail. It is commonly used for photographing insects, flowers, and other small objects, allowing for intricate details to be visible.
Close-Up Photography: Close-up photography, on the other hand, refers to taking pictures of subjects that are relatively close to the camera but do not necessarily meet the 1:1 magnification ratio. This can include a wider range of subjects and does not require the same level of specialized equipment.
Specialized gear: Close-up photography can be achieved with standard lenses. Some brands even have a 'macro' or 'micro' button on the lens but normally it does not achieve a full 1:1 magnification but does get you closer to the subject than your normal lens would. Macro photos can also be achieved with normal lenses when using extension tubes, or close-up filters, bellow, reverse mount couplings etc., depending on the lens.
In summary, while both techniques focus on capturing details of small subjects, macro photography emphasizes high magnification and detail, whereas close-up photography encompasses a broader range of close-range imaging without the strict magnification requirements.
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My Photo School Online - Rory Baker